Yunnan's Volcanic Heart & Bai Heritage: Dali to Tengchong
Your Personalized Day Trip from Beijing
Morning: Conquering the Original Great Wall
Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive At your designated morning time, your private English-speaking guide and professional driver will meet you at your Beijing hotel lobby. Settle into your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the approximately 2-hour journey through the picturesque countryside to Simatai Great Wall.
Simatai Great Wall Hiking Adventure Upon arrival at Gubei Water Town, you'll proceed to the Simatai Great Wall entrance. Following your guide, you'll traverse a 1+ kilometer walkway to Watchtower 2, where your formal hiking experience begins.
East Section Exploration (Watchtowers 1-10) - Historic Preservation: Witness the reinforced Watchtower 2 with its visible steel supports - Challenging Ascent: Navigate the notoriously steep segments between Watchtowers 3-5 - Architectural Marvel: Experience the unique unilateral wall section between Watchtowers 4-5 - Panoramic Reward: Reach Watchtower 10 for breathtaking views of this UNESCO-recognized "Original Great Wall"
Note: This hike requires moderate physical fitness. Cable car options are available with advance notice.
Afternoon: Cultural Immersion in Gubei Water Town
Traditional Architecture & Crafts After descending from the Great Wall, immerse yourself in the charming Gubei Water Town, where you'll: - Explore well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty-style folk residences - Discover traditional Chinese craftsmanship including kite-making and paper-cutting workshops - Admire intricate stone bridges spanning tranquil waterways
Cultural Performances & Local Cuisine - Enjoy authentic cultural performances such as Peking Opera and shadow puppetry - Savor local specialties at traditional restaurants or sample street food delicacies - Wander through bustling streets filled with artisan shops and cultural displays
Evening: Return to Beijing
Comfortable Journey Back Following your cultural exploration, your private vehicle will transport you back to your Beijing hotel, concluding your full-day historical and cultural adventure.
Essential Travel Information
Ticket Details & Operating Hours
Daytime Tour Options: - Simatai Great Wall Only: CNY 40 (9:00-17:00) - Gubei Water Town Combo: CNY 140 (includes Great Wall access) - Sunday-Thursday: 9:00-22:30 - Friday-Saturday: 9:00-23:00
Night Tour Experience: - Combo Ticket (Great Wall + Water Town + Cable Car): CNY 280 - Great Wall night access limited to Watchtowers 5-6 via cable car only
Preparation & Recommendations
What to Bring: - Sturdy hiking shoes and long pants for protection - Windproof jacket (spring, autumn, winter) - Sun protection (summer months) - Consider knee pads and hiking poles for steep sections - Snacks and water (food options on the Wall are expensive)
Important Notes: - Restroom facilities are limited to cable car stations - Advance ticket booking strongly recommended - Physical fitness required for full hiking experience - Cable car can reduce physical demands if preferred
Transportation Alternatives
Most Convenient: - Direct tourist buses from Dongzhimen Station (CNY 48) - Multiple departure times throughout the day
Budget Options: - S5 Train from Beijing North Station to Gubeikou (CNY 28) - Combination bus routes available (less recommended due to longer travel time)
Customization Options
Alternative Itinerary Variations
Moderate Hiking Experience: - Hike from Watchtower 2 to Watchtower 5 or 8 - Utilize cable car for descent - Perfect for those preferring less strenuous activity
Leisurely Cultural Focus: - Cable car directly to Watchtower 8 - Gentle hike to Watchtower 5 - Extended time in Gubei Water Town - Enhanced cultural immersion and dining experiences
Extended Overnight Option: - Stay in Gubei Water Town accommodation - Experience sunset and sunrise over the Great Wall - Optional second-day hiking at nearby Jinshanling Great Wall
This private tour offers complete flexibility to match your interests and physical capabilities while providing expert guidance through one of China's most significant historical and cultural landscapes.